Open Water Coaching

Experience: Open Water Swimming for 35 years plus! Also see ‘qualifications’ tab above.

Bookings for open water coaching available from beginning of April through to beginning of November weather dependent!

Who is coach Natasha

Natasha is a well know character of the swimming population on the island of Guernsey (and probably better know as Tash or Tasha by most!). She set up Sarnia Sea Lions Swim School in January 2013 where she teaches and manages all ages and abilities of swimmers.

Natasha is extremely pleased to announce her further qualifications of swimming coaching gained in 2015 with NOWCA. Natasha has been involved with teaching and swimming for over 35 years; as a learner, competitive swimmer for the Island, and as a teacher/instructor. She is now using all this experience and is turning her hand to coaching, both in the pool and open water environment. Natasha has had experience of coaching over the last few years with Sarnia Sea Lions Swim School (by working alongside an experienced coach) prior to obtaining the NOWCA coaching qualifications.

Natasha’s Experiences

Natasha did her first open water swim at the age of 5 years old – the Castle swim (a swim of approx. 500m from the iconic Castel Cornet, St Peter Port, Guernsey across to another iconic setting, La Vallette Bathing pools, with her father Hilary (a very experienced swimming instructor and coach)).

Her next major accomplishment in the open water, aside from completing the many bay swims around the island of Guernsey, was completing the Herm swim at the age of 11 years. The Herm swim is a 3-mile distance swim in some extreme tidal waters, from Guernsey across to the smaller island of Herm. Natasha then proceeded to complete the Herm swim again at the age of 17 years, where she won in a time of less than one hour! No wetsuits allowed to be worn at this time.

More recently Natasha took part in a local initiative: to swim ’30 bays in 30 days’, whereby on a daily basis, a different bay was selected to be swam at. This was a charity adventure that she completed with her father, Hilary, in the summer 2014. Hilary, who has been coaching, instructing and teaching swimming for over 35 years will be on hand for advice during many of the courses Natasha will be running!

How can Natasha help?

Natasha and her expert support consultant, Hilary, have over 60 years experiences in the areas of pool and open water swimming, instructing, teaching and coaching. She is sure to have plenty of knowledge to share for all swimmers of all levels of ability!

Natasha and Hilary have also been extremely pleased to follow the progress of James Travis (plus others) on their triathlon accomplishments. Sarnia Sea Lions assisted Travis with his swimming technique and ability through his triathlon swimming training. We look forward to following his progress further in 2015!

So whether you are planning your very first open water swim, entering your first triathlon, Ironman or Granite man, or you are a more seasoned pro and possibly gearing up for the international playing field we can help with that all important swim!

Tasha is a friendly, helpful coach and very willing to assist you in whatever your next swimming ambition might be!

She looks forward to hearing from you soon!

Sarnia Sea Lions – The Swimming Specialists – a small local business with a BIG heart, doing great things!

WHAT’S ON OFFER!

Open Water 1-2-1

Courses that can be tailored to anyone who would rather have the personal attention of coach Tasha in open water.

From non swimmers to Olympic Triathletes (if you are here in Guernsey Tasha can help!)

Open Water Swims: A triathletes biggest fear?
Mass starts, learn the do’s and don’ts of open water swimming.
Prepare for your first race!

Level 1 (beginners)
For anyone who has never swam in open water before (fast or slow swimmers)

Anyone who has a fear of open water (fast or slow swimmers)

The Level 1 Open Water Swimming Course is for anyone who is entering their first race, has never swum in open water or has panicked in open water.

The course is run by Tasha, a qualified NOWCA Coach and lasts for approximately 1hr 15mins. Start times as agreed when making booking arrangements with Tasha.

There are both theory and practical elements to the level one course. Coach Tasha will put you at ease as she goes through important safety procedures and the basic technical skills that will aid your swimming experience in open water during the course and beyond. Listen and learn at least 40 important tips – all really useful and part of the syllabus.

Once you have seen and heard these it is time to put them into practice. Normally you will be put into groups according to ability and experience. You will also be asked to partner up for safety. Your like-minded partner could be a new friend for life if you do not already know or compete against them!

Each group will be led step by step in a relaxed environment. Location of the courses may vary due to weather and tidal considerations – not able to be predicted until nearer the course dates/times!

The techniques Tasha includes on the course are available to see in the course handout sent to you as part of the administration process once you have booked on your course and paid.

After successfully completing your course you should be competent to train and race in open water. Occasionally there are people who need further instruction and this is normally in the form of a 1-2-1 session, where a swimmer can get a little more attention than that found in the group.

For others who are happy with their progress there is the option of progressing to Level Two and Three Courses.

All participants will gain a certificate after the course.

Level 2 (intermediate)
For anyone who has attended level 1 or who has raced in open water and wants further progressive coaching

Level 3 (advanced)
For anyone who is already racing and wishes to improve.

Pool 1-2-1

This can be based in your own pool, an endless pool (if you have access), or we can use the local leisure centre (a.k.a. Beau Sejour) or health suite pool if you are a member

After the first session this is followed by a report that will be emailed to you. It includes the analysis of the session with a review of goals and specific sessions with drills to work on correct technique for each individual

Learn or Improve your swimming

Technique Analysis with advice, drills and a coaching session with written report. Video analysis available.

Swim sessions written by Tasha to follow after the 1-2-1 to ensure you always do the right training to maximise your swim training!